Local Area Information

REGION

Dartmoor, at almost 1000 sq km is the largest and wildest area of open country in Southern England. A glorious wilderness with open moorland, granite tors, sparkling rivers, abundant wildlife and the renowned Dartmoor ponies. There are many spectacular walks, great pubs, and places to eat….There is so much to do it is difficult to know where to start but why not try horseriding, hiking, cycling, rock climbing, canoeing, abseiling, fishing, golfing, wildlife or birdwatching.

LOAL AREA ACTIVITES

Fingle Woods - over 800 acres of woodland has recently been bought by the National Trust and Woodland Trust and can be explored by nearly 30 miles of newly created tracks and paths. Cycle along the river to the Fingle Bridge Inn for lunch.

Castle Drogo (National Trust) - famed as the last castle to be built in England. It sits above the magnificent Teign Gorge with dramatic views over the Teign Valley and Dartmoor and is only 5 miles away. There is an exciting programme of events, ranging from Easter egg hunts, den building and survival skills to fungal forays and wildlife walks.

Steps Bridge - a beautiful Devon Wildlife Trust Reserve is only a short walk from us and is famous for its spring daffodils and wonderful riverside walks. You can spot dippers, otters if you and lucky, and in the summer you can spot 6 species of fritillary butterfly.

Fishing – The River Teign is a celebrated trout and salmon river, offering many miles of fishing close by. Permits available through the Upper Teign Fishing Association.

Golfing – There are three golf courses within 8 miles of us - Fingle Glen, Teign Valley and the exclusive Bovey Castle http://www.boveycastle.com/Golf.html. All provide great courses wonderful Dartmoor setting and have restaurants and bars to relax in after your game.

Outdoor Swimming pools – Devon is famous for its small community run outdoor pools (only open during the summer months). The closest is Moretonhampsted 4 miles but there is also one at Chagford and Bovey Tracey.

Wild Swimming - There is a great wild swimming spot on the River Teign 15 minutes walk from the cottage.

Minature Pony Centre – (6 miles -15mins drive) Perfect day out for children. Meet the animals, indoor and outdoor play areas. A selection of talks, demonstrations, pony rides and hands-on activities take place every day with something of interest to everyone.

The Haldon Forest Park (20 mins away) has something for everyone in its 3,500 acres of woodland. There trails for all abilities, for walkers and bikers. There are exhilarating mountain bike trails for the experienced riders, orienteering, Go Ape tree top trails, Seguay, bike hire, café. There is also Tramper Hire for those with disabilities.

Beaches – The stunning beaches of Bigbury and Bantham (our Favourites) are 40 miles away (1hr 20mins). Travel to the pub on Burgh Island by foot at low tide or ride the famous sea tractor once it is cut off at high tide. Check out the famous Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel (although only guests are allowed in, but you can visit the Pilchard Inn pub on the island take a walk around).

Eden Project - 68 miles - 1 ½ hours away

Food - There is a fantastic range of food available to cater for all tastes and prices in the local area. From great local pub food, cafes, and tea shops in the 4 surrounding villages (all within 10 minutes drive away) right up to the culinary delights of Gidleigh Park (2 Michelin stars) at Chagford - voted the UKs No 1 restaurant in the Sunday Times food list 2014.

LOCAL TOWNS

Moretonhampstead - (8 minutes drive or a brisk stroll away) is an ancient market town located on the North Eastern edge of Dartmoor National Park. It is a town of character and dates back over 1000 years to Saxon times, and is known as The Gateway to the Moor. It is the ideal base from which to explore some of Britain’s most spectacular countryside. No part of the National Park is more than an hour’s drive away from the town and most of the well-known beauty spots are close by.

Moretonhampstead is almost exactly in the centre of Devon, making it the perfect place from which to visit the north and the south coasts. Two major events not to be missed this summer are Moreton Music Day in July and Moreton Carnival in August. There is also the award winning, new Green Hill Arts Gallery that is worth a visit.

Chagford is only 6 miles away with its stylish boutique shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants.